ARTICLES ABOUT MICROMAX BY DATE - PAGE 5

HONG KONG: Qualcomm's latest 210 Snapdragon processor will power sub-$100 4G-enabled smartphones by the middle of next year as the US chipmaker gets into a segment that is expected to see strong growth. Larry Paulson, vice president, product management, told ET that his company was working with several Indian handset manufacturers to develop reference designs to bring out the entry-level 4G devices next year. His division works with original equipment makers to make instruments that can be customised for different markets.

NEW DELHI: Indian handset manufacturer Micromax on Monday launched its new smartphone Canvas Nitro for Rs 12,990. The phone will be available exclusively on e-commerce portal Snapdeal only. "Canvas Nitro is yet another product from the Micromax stable to democratize technology with amalgamation of superior technology, great design and seamless usability. Our partnership with Snapdeal further simplifies the process for millions of new-age Indian consumers who prefer to shop online to get Canvas Nitro with just a few clicks," Vineet Taneja , chief executive officer, Micromax said.

NEW DELHI: With growing consumer preference to shop online, domestic handset maker Micromax expects 25 per cent of its smartphones sales to come from eCommerce platforms over the next two years. The company, which has partnered eCommerce major Snapdeal for launching its latest handset -- Canvas Nitro, currently gets about 10 per cent of its sales from online purchases. "Online is small but is definitely growing. About 10 per cent of our sales are coming from that.

Micromax has overtaken Apple to occupy number two slot in the tablet market in India in the second quarter, as per the data released by International Data Corporation (IDC). While the homegrown brand had a 14% market share as compared to Apple's 9%, it was closing in on Samsung which held on to its top position with a 19% market share, a dip of 3.5% over the last quarter. The Indian tablet market has indicated early signs of recovery in the second quarter (April-June) of 2014 after taking a sharp hit in the past couple of quarters.

BANGALORE: Phone makers and retailers have more than one reason to celebrate this festival season. With the launch of new devices and falling prices, this Diwali is being seen as a bumper season for smartphone sales. "We are thinking, let's have the volumes ready. I'm sure it's going to be a hit. The target is to catch Diwali," said Sudhir Hasija, chairman of local smartphone brand Karbonn , which is gearing up to launch Android One phones in September. Brands like Micromax and Spice will also launch Android One phones in September, priced around $100.

NEW DELHI: Google is expected to launch its much-awaited sub- $100 (around Rs 6,000) smartphones in India this month, which will further intensify competition in the booming multi-billion dollar smart devices market here. According to an invite sent by the company, Google will make "an exciting new announcement" on September 12. Sources said meanwhile that the company is going to unveil the sub- $100 device. In June, Google announced its 'Android One' initiative to bring in under- $100 handsets aimed at bringing the next one billion population to the Android operating system ecosystem.

NEW DELHI: Smartphone vendor Lava is looking to raise up to Rs 600 crore ($100 million) by selling 20% stake to private equity firms, a person familiar with the company's plans said. The country's fourth largest smartphone vendor will use the funds to meet working capital requirement and expand into emerging markets. "Around six PE firms have expressed interest in the company and it is in the process of selecting two firm," the person said, adding that the company has been valued at about Rs 3,000 crore (almost $500 million)

BANGALORE: Micromax has overtaken Apple to reach the number two spot in the tablet market in India, with 14% marketshare in the second quarter as the market is still trying to recover. As per IDC, strong performance in Q2 allowed Micromax to beat Apple to the second spot. With 9% market share, Apple stood at the third spot. More than 60% of the overall iPad volume is being supported by their iPad mini. Samsung on the other hand, continued to lead the pack with 19% marketshare.Majority of its volume is driven by sub Rs 12,000 voice calling Tablets.

NEW DELHI: The Marketing Committee of the BCCI today awarded the Title Sponsorship for the International Series and Domestic Tournaments to be played in India during the 2014-15 season to Micromax Informatics Limited for an approximate fee of Rs 18 crore, here today. According to a BCCI release, "The winning bid for the Title Sponsorship Rights in the 2014-15 season was made by Micromax Informatics Ltd, for a fee of Rs 18,01,80,000. " The bid amount effectively means that Micromax will be giving Rs 2.02 crore per match for the West Indies series which will have three Tests, five ODIs and a T20 International.

BANGALORE: Silicon Valley start-up Evernote is scouting for partnerships in India as the notetaking app maker prepares to open its first office in its third fastest growing market after the US and China. On his maiden India visit, Evernote chief strategy officer Ken Gullicksen told ET that the company is in talks with Indian software makers to forge strategic alliances. "We are looking at increasing our investment in India," Gullicksen said. "We are doing a lot of research into looking at the best way to increase our investment in India.